Author(s): DUFOUR, S., KOUASSI, B.Y.L., DUCROCQ, G., MALLARD, J., HUCTEAU, E., MASSAMBA, A., DAMIOT, A., BOUKHARI, M., TOUMAZEAU, Q., HUREAU, T., PAGANO, A., BLAES, J., EVRARD, C., DENIS, A., ENACHE, I., FAVRET, F., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF STRASBOURG, Country: FRANCE, Abstract-ID: 2452

INTRODUCTION:
A major issue using Live Low–Train High (LLTH) models of hypoxia training is the reduction in the mechanical training load required to cope with the hypoxia-induced limitation in maximal aerobic power [1-2]. The ability to achieve high mechanical power output despite limited metabolic demand in eccentric cycling (ECC) [3], might be especially relevant to maintain or enhance the mechanical training load in LLTH interventions. This study aimed to establish if combining high-intensity interval concentric (CON) and ECC cycling under hypoxia improves physiological determinants of judo performance in a well-trained judo athletes.
METHODS:
Twenty-three well-trained judo athletes (20+/-1 yr, 1.72+/-9m, 79+/-11kg) were divided in a hypoxic CON group (HYP) or a hypoxic CON and ECC group (HYP-ECC). Both groups underwent 2 weekly training sessions in hypoxia (3,000m) over a 6-wk period. All sessions for the HYP group involved 5 repetitions of 3-min CON cycling at 100% of hypoxic CON maximal aerobic power (MAP) with 3-min of recovery between intervals at 30% of hypoxic CON MAP. The HYP-ECC group performed the same training sessions except that the recoveries between intervals were performed in ECC at 150% of hypoxic CON MAP. Pre and post training assessments included body composition (DEXA scan), vastus lateralis thickness (VLT, echography), knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC), incremental cycling tests and a repeated sprint test in normoxia (RST, 10s sprint/20s recovery). Data are presented as means +/- standard deviations and differences between groups were tested using a two-way ANOVA (time x group) on repeated measures.
RESULTS:
Body composition did not change with training, except for a greater VLT in the HYP-ECC group (+10%, p<0.05). Both groups improved or tended to improve power output associated to maximal oxygen uptake (+5-7%, p<0.05-0.1), to the second (+5-7%, p<0.05) and to the first ventilatory thresholds (+10-14%, P<0.05). Oxygen cost of cycling improved only in the HYP-ECC group (-5%, p<0.05). MVC did not change significantly nor did CON peak sprint power. Squat jump height improved with training in both groups (+3-5%, p<0.05) as did the number of sprints performed until exhaustion in the RST (+25-31%, p<0.05). No significant group by time interactions were observed.
CONCLUSION:
These data demonstrate the feasibility of a new LLTH design combining high-intensity CON and ECC cycling. The results indicate similar training-induced benefits in judo performance factors for both groups, except for VLT and oxygen cost of cycling improving only in the HYP-ECC group. Future studies should further explore this new LLTH strategy to optimize the combination of high-intensity CON and ECC cycling with the ultimate goal to enhance athletes’ performance.

1. Dufour et al. J Appl Physiol. 2006
2. Faiss et al. Brit J Sports Med. 2013
3. Isner-Horobeti et al. Sport Med.

This study was supported by a grant ANR-20-STHP-0002